It was a smiling Rossi who had finished qualifying with a second position conquered in the last moments. An exercise which took place according to the scenario he prefers: the gradual increase in power. Here he is in the running for a seventh victory in Malaysia. But nothing will be simple yet.
It was only in sight of the checkered flag marking the end of the qualifying session that Red took his second time. A performance of choice carried out in particular conditions but also according to a sequence that he likes: “ this qualifying session was difficult and completely different from usual. Normally, we do two laps and then “bam!” » we go back to change tires for two more laps, all at 110%. Today we had to start by not making mistakes, getting the tires up to temperature but also attacking sufficiently. ».
« So I stayed on the trail. On my last lap, I was able to increase my pace slightly again and reach second position. Overall, we had a good strategy. That said, it's not that important even if a front row is always good for the race. But I had a good day, I was competitive both in the dry and in the rain ».
And between the two which would the Yamaha official choose? “ I think we're all hoping to have a dry race. There are several of us who have a similar pace and we could have a good battle. We saw it during FP3, the first four are only one tenth apart. So there will be me and Viñales, Márquez and Lorenzo. Now if it's wet, we'll also respond ».
What if it's between the two? There, the titled ninefold takes on a more serious air: “ the new asphalt is good. It offers plenty of grip and there are no more bumps. However, it takes a long time to dry out. And it's never completely dry, there are always traces of moisture. In this case, you will have to remain very vigilant ».
Red is currently second in the championship and is 24 points ahead of his teammate Lorenzo who would like to deprive him of the status of vice-champion at the end of the season.
